Account Handler Review

On a day to day basis, as an Account Handler, I am required to input hard data onto the computer system either from the broker of another colleague which helps to keep the accounts updated, information to create spreadsheets, documentation for the accounts and for many other reasons. I also assist brokers and directors with presentations for clients and liase with them throughout the whole project. I send many emails internally to other Willis Associates but am also responsible for sending emails with attached information to external addresses which are generally clients and underwriters.

I've built upon my basic computer skills such as excel, word and powerpoint but my job role has also encouraged me to be more confident in conversing with other people of different levels of profession, ages and backgrounds that I wasn't otherwise exposed to before work. I've had many training sessions to inform me on how Willis do things, Sanctions and FCA requirements such as Competition Law. From these sessions I have become more aware of my actions and how a little careless act may cause bigger consequences.

I enjoy my programme and my job role. I've been welcomed into my team with open arms and am really working well with them. The general atmosphere of the company's culture is calm and happy which helps to create a better environment to work in which impacts on the easing of pressure whilst working. The programme has gone above and beyond my expectations as insurance and general office work is underrated. I've really been exposed to the broad world of insurance and how interesting it really is. I'm also never stuck for something to do which helps my day to flow easily. The idea of being in an office can be daunting but I've found it easy to adapt to as sometimes I'm required to go out to meet underwriters, to attend meetings with internal colleagues or external visitors and have also been to many social events.

Generally, the work I do, I feel, is appreciated by those who give it to me and also by my manager as a keen work ethic is key to a busy workplace. I have been included in many projects and my efforts are recognised as I'm always given credit by my internal colleagues if some of my work is sent out externally, the receipient is always told of my input which I'm proud of and encourages me to be involved in further projects and gives me a high morality and insentive to work harder and outdo myself each time.

From the outset, the programme appeared to be structured very well. We received a week long induction which took place in both the London and Ipswich offices to give us an insight of which jobs are being completed in different offices and we were introduced to several members of each team who gave a small presentation on their job roles which was very helpful. I'm always given the opportunity to take training sessions for many different things which enables me to carry out tasks in my job correctly and efficiently whilst also giving me knowledge of the rules and regulations that are in force in my work environment. The support for my CII qualifications isn't so prominent however the need to learn by myself is important as it teaches me to look after myself and to prioritise my studies.

I don't specifically have one training provider as I gain information from a whole host of different sources as many people are specific in their knowledge which helps to give a better insight into things. I am aware of who to go to if I have a problem and I can approach some people if I need help and support with some things. Many people who I have been to are happy to help out with any issues I have and if I get stuck on how to do things. I feel more comfortable with asking people for help more so than when I first started my programme as I've gained more confidence since people empathise with my situation of being new to the job but also new to insurance itself which is very satisfying.

Many of my colleagues are happy to help me with my problems as they understand how hard it is being new to the work place and to this specific career as there is a lot to learn and this helps build my confidence of not being afraid to ask for help. I've only met with my mentor once but he explained to me that if I'm ever in need, that his door is open and he made himself approachable so I can talk to him if nobody in my team is available.

As I'm still living at home, I don't need to spread my costs as far as I'm quite comfortable with my salary at the moment. However, if I was living alone, I wouldn't be able to afford this. Despite travel costs having gone up and as a new driver with my own car, I'm still able to manage to balance my wage and I'm also able to attend social occasions which is good. Overall, I'm happy with my current salary but I predict that as I grow older, I would benefit from a higher wage as I aspire to have a better knowledge of my indurstry, take on more responsibility and then to move out into my own place and run a car of my choice.

I am invited to many events both with internal associates and external guests. I'm also recently getting involved with some fund raising opportunities which shall benefit my skills, the company and the chosen charity and I'm excited to come up with ways of raising the money and being innovative. Since starting work, I've joined the company gym which I've noticed helps my mood so furthermore enables me to enjoy my day a lot better. The location of my work is very good for the social side of things as there's many places to eat and drink with colleagues, friends and clients in a friendly environment and during the week these places have a lively atmosphere. Before I worked at Willis, I was at sixth form and working part time, two evenings a week and usually weekends also, but made myself available and open to extra hours. I also was part of a cheerleading team but didn't have much time to do anything else.

Yes

I feel it is a great school leaver programme to be on and Willis is a fantastic company to work for. The idea of earning and learning is great, as you don't have the debt stress from university and you're still getting an education which is specific to your job and career path giving you a better opportunity for the future. I feel very comfortable at Willis, with people willing to help you with any problems and guide you in the right direction whilst giving you a lot of knowledge that you can take on board. Willis is also one of the top three brokers in the world with an amazing reputation giving me a sense of pride to work for such an iconic company.

To try your best during the early stages of the application process by understanding the job role you're applying for very well. During the assessment days and interviews, don't be hesitant to let your personality shine through as I feel it's important for your employer to see the real you. To take every opportunity they give you, for example, I was given a two day work experience here and I feel it really boosted my chances of a placement on the programme as it allowed me to show them how well I could fit in within the team and show them who I really was as a 45 minute interview doesn't do someone's personality any justice. I would have like to have been told what people held what role in the hierarchy as I believe it would help me to know who to turn to from day one of working at Willis and to know who does what job in case I need to ask a subject specific question.